By Tamlyn Canham
Norma Mngoma is reflecting on her “emotional journey” following her latest court victory.
The estranged wife of the former cabinet minister, Malusi Gigaba, took to Instagram to celebrate the State’s decision to drop all criminal charges against her.
Norma faced malicious damage to property and crimen injuria charges after allegedly vandalising a Mercedes Benz G-Class.
The vehicle belonged to Malusi’s friend, businessman Thapelo Tshephe. He had loaned the vehicle to the politician.
Norma insisted her arrest was a “favour” to her husband, who wanted to teach her a lesson.
She is glad her ordeal is finally over.
“I thank God for giving me strength to stand up for myself during the most difficult time of my life and also I thank my legal team for making sure that justice has been served,” she wrote on Instagram.
Norma also urged women in similar situations not to give up.
“Wear your crown, keep on standing and fight for your rights and don’t only do it for yourself but do it for other women who are voiceless.”
Hawks abused powers
Norma’s latest victory comes several weeks after the High Court in Pretoria declared her July 2020 arrest unlawful.
The entrepreneur spent a night in jail after the Hawks swooped in on her Waterkloof home and took her into custody.
Judge Cassim Sardiwalla said they “abused their powers and position”.
The judge also ordered the Hawks to return the laptops and cellphones that were unlawfully taken during her arrest.
Norma told the court the items were confiscated so that her husband could gain unlawful access to her gadgets “to delete specific information”.



